A new N.C. State University study under way at the Plants for Human Health Institute at the NC Research Campus is focused on enhanced levels of lutein in broccoli. Lutein, an antioxidant, is also found in leafy greens such as kale and spinach. Lutein is associated with lowering risks for cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

Allan Brown, PhD, assistant professor with the Department of Horticultural Science and the Plants for Human Health Institute, recently received a $155,525 grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for his broccoli research. A matching fund portion of the grant was funded by the Monsanto Company.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans who are age 65 and older. The condition affects around 10 percent of those 66 to 74 years old, and increases to 30 percent for those aged 75 to 85. Because of the growing aging population, it is increasingly affecting a larger number of people.